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Septic Systems

The On-Site Sewage Treatment Systems Program protects the health and environment of Johnson County citizens by ensuring that on-site septic systems are properly designed and operated. The program inspects new residential and commercial on-site septic systems, existing commercial systems, and existing residential systems subject to property transactions. The program also investigates complaints about malfunctioning on-site septic systems.

2017 Fee Increase

The 2004 Johnson County Enviornmental Sanitary Code establishes that Johnson County Department of Health and Envionrment (JCDHE) has the authority to assess various user fees to cover program administartion and enforcement costs. View the 2017 fee increases.

Designers, Installers, and Pumpers

JCDHE licenses the individuals who design and install private on-site sewage treatment systems in the areas of Johnson County served by the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code. JCDHE also licenses the disposal contractors, also known as pumpers, who pump and clean septic tanks and transport sewage to disposal sites. The licenses are renewed annually. These individuals are listed on this site for the convenience of system owners. JCDHE does not endorse any particular individual or company.

Residential Systems

Approximately 23% of all homes in the United States are served by private sewage treatment systems. There are approximately 9,000 private sewage treatment systems in Johnson County. The Residential On-Site Program issues permits for private sewage treatment systems where property owners are not served by a public wastewater collection system.

A copy of the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code can be found on our Forms and Fees page

Resale Inspections

Another benefit of our program is the resale inspection. This is an inspection of the existing private sewage treatment system serving a residential property, which is required to be completed prior to a property being bought or sold. The buyer or seller may request the inspections.

Commercial/Industrial Systems

The Commercial/Industrial On-Site Program issues permits to install and operate non-residential septic systems where property owners are not served by a public wastewater collection system. There are about 400 entities subject to regulations under this program including businesses, government agencies, institutions, and others.

Maintaining Your System

Care of the septic system:

Have your tank pumped, by a licensed pumper, based on the size of the tank and the number of people in your home

After your initial pumping, work with the pumper to determine how often your tank should be pumped (usually every 3 to 5 years)

NEVER enter the septic tank as there could be dangerous gases

Inspect your lateral field and septic system area regularly

If repairs are needed, contact a licensed installer. A permit from JCDHE will be required in most cases

Contact JCDHE prior to any building additions, fencing, decking, exterior buildings or alterations to your property

Conserve water:

Use your garbage disposal sparingly

Spread out water usage during the day

Spread out laudry during the week

Repair leaky faucets and valves

Use water conservation fixtures

Do not put these items down the drain or toilet:

Wet wipes- even flushable

Bones

Motor oil

Pesticides

Poisons

Solvents

Tampons

Condoms

Degreasers

Chemicals

Paint

Sand

Glass

Metal

Kitty litter

Egg shells

Fats, Oils or Grease

Coffee grounds

Landscaping:

Do not park equipment or vehicles such as cars or motorhomes on the lateral field